United States

The Tacoma real estate market has been the subject of some special efforts to boost its profitability and turnaround. One example of these marketing efforts is found in an April 8, 2010 article in the News Tribune, “Prospective homebuyers will have the chance to tour more than 300 homes for sale in Pierce County this weekend as part of an ‘open house’ celebration happening across the state and country. ‘We just want to stimulate the activity and let the public know that there are lots of homes available in all kinds of price range,” said Joyce Hill, a local real estate agent who has helped organize the open house event.” The article, written by Kelly Kearsley, continued to state that “Now in its second year in Washington, the event is growing and catching on around the country.”
These and other efforts seem to have a positive impact on Tacoma home sales, according to an April 6, 2010 article in the News-Tribune. The piece found that “Western Washington home sales swept upward last month with pending deals rising nearly 51 percent in Western and Central Washington and nearly 36 percent in Pierce County. New figures from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service show pending sales in King and Snohomish counties surged even more than those in Pierce with increases of 69.05 percent in King and 77.11 percent in Snohomish.” The article, composed by John Gillie, continued to note that “Home deals in Thurston and Kitsap counties jumped too, though not as much as those in Pierce, King or Snohomis counties. Kitsap showed a 31.33 percent increase in pending sales, the Northwest MLS figures showed, while Thurston saw a 30 percent increase from the same month in 2009.”
Home prices, however, continue to be low in the Tacoma real estate market, according to a March 31, 2010 article in the News Tribune. According to the piece, which was also released by the Associated Press, “While home prices are rising in most parts of the country, Puget Sound-area home prices remain on the decline, according to the Standard & Poor’s/Case Shiller 20-city home price index released Tuesday.”

Are you looking to find a new home around Seattle, Washington? Homes in Seattle have long been popular with buyers looking for a place to settle down, be it to start a family or just enjoy life at their own pace. Due to it’s diverse population and the great lifestyle provided by the city as well as the opportunities it provides Seattle is definitely growing in popularity. It is the city that plays host and home to families of all shapes and sizes who are in search of a little place to call their own.
A huge perk when buying a home for sale in Seattle is that the majority of houses are close to public transport – and if you’ve ever been to Seattle you know that their public transportation services are reliable and second to none. Being at the forefront of the green movement makes for an environmentally conscious and responsible community, meaning that it’s not hard to find transit options that will suit your own personal needs.
One of the more popular ways to get around in Seattle is by using the outstanding ferry network. Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry network in the nation and it connects the island communities to the city. This means that if you want to buy a home Seattle you can easily live on an island off the coast while still commuting without hassle into the city to access all the wonders it has to offer for you and your family.
In early Seattle history street cars were essential for linking up houses with schools and places of business. After 1889 they connected all of the far out neighborhoods with the inner city and downtown area. Although street cars are no longer a working fixture in Seattle the inhabitants will see their legacy in the homes for sale that have a distinct community feel unique from the city.
With a public bus system running a number of routes throughout the city there are countless options for getting around. Approximately 20 percent of people working in Seattle rely on public transport for their commute, and with buses connecting many commercial areas with residential areas this is no surprise. In the near future buying a home in Seattle will also give you access to a light rail option linking the airport with the city using a reliable and well developed rail service.
Living in Seattle, Washington, makes residents a part of a thriving community full of entertainment, jobs, good schools and adventure, all while living in one of the “greenest” cities of the 21st century.

Seattle has long had many stereotypes surrounding it; the rainy days and coffee shops, fish markets and hippies and slackers. Although there is a little truth in some of these ideas they do not define the city. It is exciting and a true joy to the intellectual alike. If you really want to experience Seattle first hand forget what you’ve heard and take it all in with an open mind – you wont regret it.
Before visiting Seattle for yourself you will probably already have a long list of things you want to do and to see – while The Space Needle may sound unoriginal because of its huge popularity it is not something you can afford to miss. Standing on the observation deck will provide an unmatchable view of the city and it’s inhabitants, as well as letting you admire various landmarks you may want to visit during your trip.
Another place you wont want to miss out on is the Experience Music Project. Both inside and out the museum is ultra modern and Frank Gehry’s famously distinctive architectural style is boldly apparent. With involving activities and the latest technologies it will provide an unforgettable experience sure to thrill all music lovers.
Then there is the spectacular water front. It’s a natural wonder right in the middle of a city full of life and excitement. Taking a trip down to Bell Street Pier will be unlike any other place you’ve ever visited before, and you may very well want to return more than once. The plaza is a favorite for those seeking a good meal, a bit of shopping therapy and a fabulous look at marine life. If you get hungry while out and about their are many restaurants perfect for indulging in local seafood while admiring the sights and sounds of Seattle.
With all of the museums and art galleries it is impossible not to become immersed in the culture of it all. The Seattle Asian Art Museum has a wide variety of art exhibiting the influence of the East in the region while the Frye Art Museum allows free entry to those who wish to visit. If you have an interest in the paranormal you should pay a trip to the Museum of the Mysteries specializing in UFOs, bizarre occurrences and unusual history. Or if you prefer taking in some archeological wonders a trip to the Downtown Public Library will leave you amazed – many people have compared this building to some kind of spacecraft.
It should be said that while visiting Seattle you should make the most of their famous coffee, and with cafes scattered throughout the city it will never take long to find one for you. Seattle was where Starbucks began it’s journey to spread throughout the world, but there are also plenty of unique little independent shops for you to enjoy. The food is incredible, from the Asian banquet to the high class cuisine it is not to be missed, whether you want a relaxed meal or a fancy night out there is something for everyone in Seattle.
You should know that it rains almost constantly in Seattle, so it is best just to accept this and be ready for it – the rain can be quite enjoyable here. Rather than sitting in a hotel room and waiting for it to pass you can venture out to a warm, dry place to have some fun. Places such as the historic movie theaters, the museums and the salsa clubs are the perfect places to visit and rain is a nice excuse – however by the end of your trip you likely wont even realize it’s raining any more as one quickly becomes accustomed to life in Seattle.
With so many hotels throughout the city you have your pick, however renting out a vacation property will allow you to feel like a local. You will feel like you have your own home as you wake up in your own time, make breakfast in a real kitchen and quietly wake up with a cup of coffee and a newspaper. Then, when you are ready, you can wander out into the street and once again be out in a foreign city, taking in the sights, the sounds and the people.
Just be sure to bring your umbrella along for the ride and indulge in the various coffees Seattle has to offer – you will have the trip of a lifetime and come home with a desire to visit time and time again.

Seattle is located between Lake Washington and Puget Sound, a stretch of the Pacific Ocean. Boasting the largest population of any city in Washington it is a popular holiday destination for the young and the old alike, and if you’re a coffee lover you can’t look past Seattle, the home of coffee growers and aficionados. Full of entertainment and opportunities for adventure it is well worth visiting.
If you have already decided upon visiting Seattle you will not be disappointed, in fact you may very well have the most unforgettable holiday of your life. Home to many musicians, including fabulous Jazz and Grunge performers you wont be short of excitement. In fact, Seattle is known as the most “unchurched” place in America. This makes it the ideal destination for the atheist and agnostic alike.
Besides the indoor activities you are sure to enjoy there is also an abundance of outdoor adventures to be had. Whether you’re interested in Sailing, para sailing, cycling or camping you will find Seattle the perfect place to enjoy your favorite outside pass times, or try out something new. Hikers are treated to something special as Seattle is perched atop seven hills and is full of picturesque rivers, forests and fields.
Despite the fact that Seattle suffers earthquakes from time to time it has always maintained a huge popularity with travelers and tourists. With it’s Victorian architecture, unique shops and fine art galleries it is considered the cultural crown atop the head of the Pacific North West.
Not only for art lovers who enjoy paintings, sculptures and music, Seattle is also the perfect destination for the movie buff with the Seattle Film Festival screening films of international standards. It also plays host to a number of ethnic festivities, including the famous Greek Festival.
If you enjoy the culture and fun of festivals then it’s highly likely you will enjoy the Pike Place Market, a popular haunt for the locals and newcomers it will leave an impression on you lasting long after you’ve returned home.
There is always something to do in Seattle. With the Aquarium proudly displaying various sea life you can even venture underwater inside the safety of a glass dome and see different varieties of shark frolicking all around you. Then there’s the water front promenade linking the piers together where you take a walk, go on a harbor tour or a cruise or even relax with a little fishing trip.
Of course we can’t talk about visiting Seattle without going to see the Space Needle. It is the American equivalent of the Eiffel tower – it is truly an archeological wonder. Standing at 520 feet tall you will have to ride an elevator for 41 seconds to reach the observation deck and look out over the beautiful city. While here you can’t pass up the chance for a meal in the restaurant – it revolves 360 degrees and has made the tower famous.
If you have the kids with you, or if you just enjoy seeing animals, you can pay a visit to the fabulous Woodland Park Zoo. It is home to piranhas, penguins, gorillas and even elephants. Or perhaps you’d be interested in soaking up some history with a guided underground tour on which you will learn about the early settlers of Seattle.
If you’re the adventurous type then you wont want to miss out on seeing the city from land and water Duck! People adventure – a coast guard certified maritime captain will take you on a tour of the “Emerald City”. You will be amazed when your truck is driven into the water, only to find it floats! Where else in the world could drive into the river and then back out on to land? No where. So don’t miss out!